Choosing the Right Software Development Company: 9 Things to Keep in Mind

Let’s face it, choosing a software development company to get your software application created isn’t the easiest thing ever.

Some suppliers will intimidate you with technical jargon, hoping to project themselves as coding wizards who will get your software up within a couple of days.

Others may offer lucrative terms that sounds too good to be true hoping to land a deal which you may regret signing on.

Making the wrong choice of software developers often land managers or business owners in difficult situations. Bug-filled software, budget overrun and in some cases, software companies that disappeared into nothingness when you’re in need of support.

No. These are not horror stories from Stephen King’s novels, but real-life experience suffered by some of our clients.

But you could be spared from a similar fate by considering these factors when you’re choosing a software development company:

1. Avoid Jack Of All Trades.

You’re excited that after hours of searching, you’ve found a software development company that seems to stands above the rest.

You’ll want to avoid such a company at all cost. Common sense states that it’s unlikely that a company would have sufficient resource to master almost every single technology that’s available.

Instead, you’ll have a better chance with companies that are highly specialized in the area of technology that you required.

Ultimately, the master of one triumphs jack of all trades.

2. Language Matters.

It’s great if you’re looking to pick up a second or third language. But you wouldn’t want to be having language crash courses before meeting up with the software developers.

Else you may be getting software that is not done according to your requirement because the programmers are relying on Google translate to decipher your instructions.

Language mismatch turns capable foreign developers into an unfavorable choice unless it’s evident that they’re fluent in English and making sure of it by, for example, checking out their blog.

3. Know Your Price.

Outsourcing software development does not mean you’re entitled to cheaper options. You ought to move away from that mindset, or you’ll be gullible to agreeing on unfavorable terms on the contract.

Cheap is rarely ever great when it comes to software development.

You may end up with an inexperienced team that is pushed beyond its limit as it attempts to outbid other competitors.

Or you could end up with rude surprises of hidden costs, especially when you realized to you need to commit more payment to own the source code.

Our advice?

You don’t need to break into a bank to get a software created, but check out for red flags if it sounds ridiculously cheap.

4. Business Savvy.

Software has to be developed to cater to your business growth needs. Reject developers who insist on the opposite.

The fact is, business successes are increasingly more dependent on the underlying software, you’ll want to get software development companies that are not only great in writing codes but also has a profound understanding on business operations.

At Netcore, we realized that no two businesses are the same, even if they are competing in a similar industry.

Whether you’re operating an online marketplace, you are a SaaS solution provider or offering productivity tools on mobile apps, we will engage with you in terms of business challenges first before diving into technological concerns.

You’ll want to avoid great coders who insist on doing things their way.

5. Conducive Disagreement.

It sure boosts your ego when you’re being painted as an intellect in a meeting with your developer.

But that ego may be shattered when promises turn to excuses as the developer struggled to commit to your requests.

Avoid partnering with developers who could only agree to each of your words.

When software development is concerned, it is wiser to have developers who are realistic on technological limits and those of their own.

Of course, you’ll want a software development company that offers alternative solutions that are viable.

6. Consistent Communications.

Right, we’ve mentioned that you ought to communicate well in the same language.

But that means nothing if you’ve engaged a software developer that is reluctant to communicate at all.

And when you got an email asking for clarifications on fundamental requirement after the 10th week, you know you’re in deep trouble.

Before engaging any software companies, you’ll need to inquire about the process and deliverables involved throughout the development phase.

It’s great to have a timeline indicating critical milestones, and when you could expect a live demo and eventually deployment.

You’ll want a software development company that practice transparent communication and keep you updated of progress at all time.

With tools like Trello, Asana, and Slack, it is a crime for not setting communications a priority.

7. Get Recommendations.

Don’t base your decision on the glowing testimonials at the developer’s website.

Instead, you’ll need to be diligent to get unbiased reviews of the said developers. Get feedback from clients they have worked with.

Or you could scour for unbiased reviews from IT communities and forums.

You shouldn’t be searching for a perfect software development company. Such companies do not exist.

What matters is how the company responded in the face of challenges.

8. Don’t Miss Out On Support.

Some companies are out of reach after you’ve commissioned the software and cleared the payment.

And to be frank, software are not perfect on the first iteration.

It will be a nightmare when you are faced with latent bugs that only show up after being deployed, and you have no technical team to turn to.

To avoid that, ensure there are clauses of post-deployment support in the contract.

Software development has ceased to be a one-off relationship. At Netcore, we believe in striking long-lasting partnerships with companies in various industries.

You’ll never know when you need a major upgrade in the software. And working with the same company that creates it is a more economical approach.

9. Ask Questions.

No questions are taboo when it comes to choosing a software development company. Reject companies that avoid certain topics.

Getting a software developed is a complicated process and may consume a considerable portion of your financial resource.

You have every rights to ask as many questions as you wish to have the peace of mind. You’ll want to be assured that you’re making the right decision.

“What industry practices are you using in ensuring high-quality codes?”
“Have you ever done similar projects?”
“What deliverables can I expect when the software is commissioned?

You can be courteous but never be shy to ask difficult questions as your investment is at stake. You’ll want to be assured that you’ll be getting what you’re expecting.

This is where you’ll want to leave no chances for assumptions.

Final Thoughts

It may seem intimidating if you’re engaging a software development company for the first time. Considering the possibilities of how things can turn awry, you have every reason to feel so.

Instead of rushing to a decision, you stand a better chance of engaging the right company when you take the above factors into careful considerations.

Let’s face it, choosing a software development company to get your software application created isn’t the easiest thing ever.
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